Support apparatus for barrier means and method of use thereof

ABSTRACT

Support apparatus is provided for barrier means. The support apparatus includes support means for supporting one or more barrier means therewith in use. Movement means are provided for allowing movement of the support apparatus relative to a surface in use. Stop means are provided for stopping or preventing movement of the movement means in use.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to United Kingdom Application No.GB1402639.7 filed Feb. 14, 2014, and is also a Continuation-in-Part ofU.S. application Ser. No. 13/928,556 filed Jun. 27, 2013, which claimspriority to United Kingdom Application No. GB1310741.2 filed Jun. 17,2013, each of which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to support apparatus for barrier means andto a method of use thereof.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Although the following description refers almost exclusively to supportapparatus for barrier means for use as part of a fall prevention system,it will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the supportapparatus of the present invention could be used to support any item oritems for any suitable purpose.

Conventionally during the construction of steel frame buildings,corrugated decking is placed between I-beams, rolled steel joists (RSJs) or any structural steel section of the building frame, and concreteis poured onto the decking to form one or more floor surfaces within thebuilding frame. Typically, the construction workers who perform the taskof fitting the corrugated decking work adjacent one or more exposededges of the building frame. This is a particular problem if thebuilding frame includes a number of storeys or floors because any fallfrom the building frame is likely to cause injury to the constructionworker and could be fatal. Although construction workers working againstexposed edges tend to be connected to the building frame by safety ropesto prevent the workers from falling off the building frame, the risk ofinjury if they did fall is still present. In addition, in order toimprove the safety of the construction workers, it is common to use anet and scaffolding system adjacent the exposed edge to catch anyconstruction worker who may fall from the exposed edge. However, theprovision of a net and scaffolding system is expensive and is timeconsuming and cumbersome to move as the building work progresses.

Similar safety problems to those described above are encountered duringthe construction of wooden frame buildings. However, rather thancorrugated decking being used, cross laminated timber (CLT) decking isused.

It is therefore an aim of the present invention to provide supportapparatus for barrier means that overcomes the abovementioned problems.

It is a further aim of the present invention to provide a method ofusing support apparatus for barrier means that overcomes theabovementioned problems.

It is a yet further aim of the present invention to provide a fallprevention system.

It is a yet further aim of the present invention to provide a method ofusing a fall prevention system.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is providedsupport apparatus for barrier means, said support apparatus includingsupport means for supporting one or more barrier means therewith in use,movement means for allowing movement of the support apparatus relativeto a surface in use and stop means for stopping or substantiallypreventing movement of the movement means.

Thus, the present invention provides movable support apparatus forbarrier means that allows the support apparatus to be moved relative toa surface when needed but prevents movement of the support apparatuswhen in a required position. This apparatus is particularly advantageousfor use in the construction industry to support one or more safetybarriers. The apparatus can be used adjacent an exposed edge of abuilding frame to prevent construction workers from falling from thebuilding frame during construction work. The support apparatus can beeasily moved by a construction worker as the building structureprogresses.

Preferably the support apparatus includes a body portion and the supportmeans are provided on or associated with the body portion.

In one embodiment the body portion includes at least two spaced apartplate members.

Preferably the support means are provided between said at least twospaced apart plate members.

Preferably one or more bridging members are provided between said atleast two spaced apart plate members to provide the plate members withstrength and rigidity.

Preferably the at least two spaced apart plate members are arrangedsubstantially parallel to each other.

In one embodiment the body portion includes a pair of inner platemembers and a pair of outer plate members.

Preferably the distance between the pair of inner plate members and/orthe pair of outer plate members can be adjusted using adjustment means.This allows the support apparatus to be used on different sized items,such as different sized construction beams and/or the like.

In one embodiment a single adjustment means is provided. In analternative embodiment two or more adjustment means are provided.

In one embodiment barrier means are integral with the support means. Inan alternative embodiment barrier means are attachable to or detachablyattachable to the support means.

Attachment means can be provided on or associated with the support meansand/or barrier means to allow attachment of the barrier means to thesupport means in use.

The attachment means can include any or any combination of one or morepins, inter-engaging members, nuts and bolts, screws, clips, welding,adhesive, chains and/or the like.

The barrier means can include any or any combination of one or moreframe members, meshing, netting, fencing and/or the like. The barriermeans is/are typically in such a form so as to prevent a person fallingthrough the barrier means if they were to accidentally fall on to it inuse.

In one embodiment the support means includes at least one sleeve,channel member, aperture, recess and/or the like into which at leastpart of a barrier means is located in use.

Preferably an end of the barrier means is located in an opening definedin the support means.

Preferably the movement means includes one or more rollers, wheels,drums, ball bearings and/or the like which allows movement of thesupport apparatus along or relative to a surface in use.

The stop means can be an integral part of the movement means, can beprovided on or associated with the movement means or can be completelyseparate to and independent of the movement means.

Preferably the stop means is movable between an actuated position,wherein it substantially stops or prevents movement of the movementmeans or support apparatus, to a non-actuated position, wherein itallows movement of the movement means and thus movement of the supportapparatus.

The stop means can be any item or mechanism that prevents movement ofthe movement means or support apparatus when actuated.

The stop means can include any or any combination of one or more teeth,braking member, locking member, cam member, cam wheel and/or the like.

In one embodiment the stop means is in the form of or includes a cammember and preferably in the form of a cam wheel. Movement of the cammember or rotation of the cam wheel moves the same, or at least part ofa cam surface between a non-actuated position and an actuated position.

Preferably rotation of the cam wheel in a first direction allowsrelatively free movement of the cam wheel and thus allows movement ofthe movement means and support apparatus.

Preferably rotation of the cam wheel in a second direction, which istypically substantially opposite to the first direction, moves the camwheel into a position whereby further movement of the cam wheel, andthus the movement means and support apparatus, is substantiallyprevented.

Preferably when an off-centered weighted part of the cam wheel or a camsurface engages a floor surface in use, this forms the actuated positionof the cam wheel or stop means, wherein further rotation of the camwheel or stop means in the second direction is substantially prevented.

Preferably the cam wheel or cam member is arranged such that movement ofthe support apparatus in the first direction, in a rearwardly directionor in a direction away from the cam wheel or cam member allowsrelatively free movement of the cam wheel or cam member. Movement of thesupport apparatus in the second direction, in a forwardly direction orin a direction towards the cam wheel or cam member actuates the camwheel or cam member and prevents or stops further movement of themovement means or support apparatus.

In one embodiment the stop means, cam wheel or cam member is arranged soas to have a weighted portion or an off centered weighted portionintegrally formed with, provided on or associated with the same. Forexample, an arm portion or weighted member can be added to the stopmeans, cam wheel or cam member to bias the stop means, cam wheel or cammember to an actuated or stop position. It is not necessary for a freeend of the weighted portion to engage with a surface to create a •stop,it simply needs to provide a biasing force to the stop means, cam wheelor cam member to allow a portion of the stop means, cam wheel or cammember to engage with a surface to create a stop position.

In one embodiment, movement of the stop means between a non-actuatedposition to an actuated position, is as a result of a user at leastpartially lifting, tilting, pivoting and/or jerking the supportapparatus in use, in addition to or as an alternative to a moving thesupport apparatus in a first and/or second direction.

Further preferably movement of the stop means between a non-actuatedposition to an actuated position, is as a result of a user at leastpartially lifting, tilting, pivoting and/or jerking the supportapparatus in a direction towards the stop means, cam member or cam wheelin use.

In one embodiment movement of the stop means between an actuatedposition and a non-actuated position is as a result of user actuation ofa user actuation means or mechanism. The user actuation means ormechanism can include any suitable mechanical linkage, brake cable,gearing, one or more levers, pneumatic means, hydraulic means, magneticmeans and/or the like.

In one example, the user actuation means is in the form of a cable, suchas a brake cable, having a first end attached to or associated with thestop means and a second end attached to or associated with a useractuatable lever, dial, button and/or the like. Actuation and release ofthe lever or user actuation means by a user, moves the cable, andtherefore the stop means, between non-actuated and actuated positionsrespectively.

In one example, user actuation means are provided on or associated witha part of the barrier means. For example, a cable lever, can be providedon the frame forming the barrier means.

Preferably the stop means, cam member or cam wheel is provided at oradjacent a front of the support apparatus. However, the stop means, cammember or cam wheel can be provided between a front and rear portion ofthe support apparatus or at the rear of the support apparatus asrequired.

More than one stop means, cam members or cam wheels can be provided ifrequired.

Preferably the stop means, cam member or cam wheel is provided on or isassociated with the body portion of the apparatus.

Preferably the stop means, cam member or cam wheel is provided on, isassociated with or provided between the inner plate members and/or outerplate members of the body portion.

Preferably movement means are provided at a location a spaced distanceapart from the stop means. For example, if the stop means is provided ator adjacent a front of the support apparatus, movement means can beprovided in the middle of the support apparatus, at the rear of thesupport apparatus and/or a spaced distance behind the stop means.

Preferably movement means are provided on or are associated with thebody portion of the apparatus.

Further preferably movement means are provided on, are associated withor provided between the inner plate members and/or the outer platemembers of the body portion. For example, in one embodiment, a rollermember is rotatably mounted between the inner or outer plate members ofthe body portion.

In one embodiment first and at least second movement means or sets ofmovement means are provided on or associated with the support apparatusand/or body portion.

In one embodiment the first and at least second movement means arearranged a spaced distance apart in a substantially horizontal orparallel plane. For example, one movement means could be providedsubstantially centrally of the body portion and one movement means couldbe provided at a rear of the body portion. The stop means could beprovided, in one example, at a front of the body portion.

In one embodiment first and at least second movement means are arrangeda spaced distance apart in a substantially vertical or uprightdirection. Thus, in one example, first movement means are provided at oradjacent an upper portion of the support apparatus or body portion andat least second movement means are provided at or adjacent a lowerportion of the support apparatus or body portion.

In one embodiment first and at least second movement means are providedin a substantially horizontal plane and at least third movement meanscan be provided in a substantially vertical or upright direction. Thefirst and at least second movement means could be provided in a planesubstantially transverse or perpendicular to the plane in which the atleast third movement means are provided.

The provision of first and at least second movement means in avertically spaced apart orientation allows the first and at least secondmovement means to contact different parts or sides of a floor or beamsurface in use. For example, if the surface on which the supportapparatus is to be used is an I-beam, the first movement means can bemoved along an upper surface of the I-beam and the at least secondmovement means can be moved along a lower surface of the I-beam, such asa lower surface of a flange of the I-beam.

Preferably adjustment means are provided on or associated with the firstand/or at least second movement means to allow the spacing between thefirst and/or at least second movement means to be adjusted in use. Thisallows the support apparatus to be used on different sized beams, floorsurfaces and/or the like.

In one embodiment the adjustment means allows the first and at leastsecond movement means to be rotatably, slidably or pivotably movedrelative to each other.

Locking means can be provided to lock the adjustment means in use tomaintain the position of the first and/or at least second movement meansin a required position.

In one embodiment the adjustment means includes one or more threadedscrews or nut and bolt mechanisms with which the first and/or at leastsecond movement means, inner and/or outer plate members are associatedwith or rotatably mounted thereon.

Preferably the at least second movement means are provided on or areassociated with the outer plate members of the body portion. However,they could be provided on or associated with inner plate members ifrequired.

Preferably a second movement means is provided on or associated witheach outer plate member. For example, the second movement means can beprovided substantially opposite to each other.

Preferably at least part of the body portion, the inner plate membersand/or the outer plate members are arranged for location adjacent to, inabutting relationship with or in engagement with one or more surfaces ofthe floor or item on which the support apparatus is to be used in use.For example, if the support apparatus is to be used on an I-beam, theouter plate members can typically abut against or are located adjacentthe end surfaces of one or more flanges of the I-beam in use.

Preferably the inner and/or outer plate members or portions are providedon at least two opposite sides of the body portion. Preferably the innerand/or outer plate members or side portions are provided a spaceddistance apart.

Preferably adjustment means are provided to allow the distance betweenthe at least two opposite side portions or plate members to be adjustedin use. This allows the support apparatus to be used on different sizedbeams, any other structural steel section, floor surfaces and/or thelike.

In one embodiment guard or cover means are provided on or associatedwith at least part of the support apparatus, the movement means, thestop means, body portion and/or the like. This prevents accidentalmovement or damage to one or more parts of the support apparatus, themovement means, the stop means, the body portion and/or the like whenthe guard means is in a guarding position.

The guard means are preferably movably mounted to a part of the supportapparatus, the movement means, body portion and/or the stop means toallow movement between a guarded position, wherein access to at leastpart of the support apparatus, the movement means, the body portionand/or the stop means is substantially prevented, and a non-guardedposition, wherein access to at least part of the support apparatus, themovement means and/or the stop means is allowed.

In one embodiment guide means are provided to guide movement of themovement means, inner and/or outer plate members during adjustment usingadjustment means. The guide means can include one or more arm members,guide shafts and/or the like.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provideda method of using support apparatus.

In one embodiment the barrier means include one or more frame membersthat are telescopic in form or are arranged so as to be extendable orretractable in length. Preferably the telescopic frame members aresubstantially freely extendable or retractable in length, therebyallowing the length of the same to be freely altered simply by moving asupport apparatus associated with the barrier means and/or a part of thebarrier means in use.

In one embodiment two or more frame members forming the barrier meansare hingedly or pivotably movable relative to each other, therebyallowing the angle between the frame members to be adjusted in useand/or the position of the frame members relative to each other to beadjusted in use.

In one embodiment two or more support apparatus are provided and arearranged a spaced distance apart and barrier means are arranged so as toextend between two or more of said spaced apart support apparatus.

Preferably the barrier means are arranged so as to provide asubstantially U-shaped frame between the two spaced apart supportapparatus. The U-shaped frame typically protrudes rearwardly of thesupport apparatus, such that the base or rear of the U-shaped frame isarranged closest to a worker in use or furthest from the supportapparatus.

In one embodiment the one or more surfaces or items on which the supportapparatus is used is an I-beam, H-beam, W-beam, RSJ, flanged beam,universal beam, steel beam, double T beam, any structural steel sectionof a building frame and/or the like.

Preferably first movement means allows movement of the support apparatusalong a top surface of the beam and the second movement means allowsmovement of the support apparatus along an underside or lower surface ofthe beam or a flange of the beam.

Preferably the stop means are associated with or actuated against a topsurface of the beam on which the apparatus is to be used in use.However, the stop means could be associated with or actuated against alower surface of the beam on which the apparatus is to be used in use.

Preferably the support apparatus is for use on a steel or metal framebuilding, a construction frame or partial construction frame, such asfor example a frame for use in making a mezzanine floor.

In one embodiment the support apparatus is for use on a timber framebuilding, a construction frame or partial construction frame. In thisembodiment, one or more beams are provided that are attachable to a partof the timber frame building, such as for example, to the timber deckingor frame used on a floor of the timber frame building.

Preferably the one or more beams provided are aluminum beams so as to belightweight whilst providing the necessary structural properties. Ifpre-defined beams are supplied with the support apparatus, adjustmentmeans may not be required on the support apparatus since the pre-definedbeams will be of pre-defined dimensions.

Preferably attachment means are provided to allow attachment of the oneor more beams to an existing part of the timber frame building. Theattachment means can include any suitable attachment means, such as oneor more screws, nuts and bolts and/or the like.

Further preferably the one or more beams provided are !-beams but couldbe any type, shape or design of beam as required.

Preferably beam guide means can be provided on or associated with theone or more beams to allow one beam to be located in a requiredorientation with respect to another beam. For example, when laying thebeams in an end to end arrangement, the beam guide means ensure one beamis aligned correctly with another beam.

The beam guide means in one example are in the form of one or moreprotruding arms that protrude outwardly from a front and/or rear end ofthe beam. Preferably the one or more protruding arms are provided on theweb of the beam (i.e. between outer flanges of the beam), so that theweb of the next beam can be inserted adjacent to or between the one ormore protruding arms.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided afall prevention system including support apparatus for supportingbarrier means.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention there is provideda method of using a fall prevention system.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described withreference to the accompanying figures, wherein:

FIGS. 1 a-1 c show an end view, a side view and a plan view from aboveof support apparatus according to an embodiment of the present inventionrespectively;

FIGS. 2 a and 2 b show a side view of the support apparatus in FIGS. 1a-1 c with the stop means in a non-actuated position and an actuatedposition respectively;

FIG. 3 is a front view of the support apparatus with barrier meansattached in use in one example;

FIG. 4 is a plan view from above of the support apparatus with barriermeans attached in use in one example;

FIG. 5 is a side view of the support apparatus with barrier meansattached in use in one example;

FIG. 6 is a simplified perspective view of the support apparatus in usein one example;

FIGS. 7 a-7 b show a side view and an end view of support apparatusaccording to a further embodiment of the present invention respectively;

FIG. 7 c shows a side view of the support apparatus in FIGS. 7 a-7 bused on wooden frame building;

FIGS. 8 a-8 b show side views of support apparatus according to a yetfurther embodiment of the present invention with the stop means in anon-actuated or moving position and an actuated or non-moving/stopposition respectively;

FIGS. 9 a-9 c show an end view, top plan view, and side view of supportapparatus according to a further embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to FIGS. 1-6, there is illustrated support apparatus 2 formingpart of a fall prevention system according to an embodiment of thepresent invention. The support apparatus in the illustrated example istypically used on a steel frame building structure, although it could beused on any building structure as required.

The support apparatus 2 includes a body portion 4 comprising twosubstantially parallel inner plate members 6, 8 located a spaceddistance apart. A bridging member 10 is provided between the inner platemembers 6, 8 to provide the body portion with strength and rigidity. Inaddition, bridging member 10 acts to prevent cam wheel 46 from rotatingpast a position where it functions as a stop means, as will be describedin more detail below. Support means in the form of a hollow sleevemember 12 is also located between and joined to inner plate members 6, 8of body portion 4.

Hollow sleeve member 12 is substantially elongate in form and has anopening 14 defined between a top edge 16 for the location of barriermeans therein in use. Hollow sleeve member 12 protrudes upwardly from atop surface of body portion 4.

Body portion 4 also comprises two substantially parallel outer platemembers 18, 20 or I-beam flange guide plates. The outer plate members18, 20 typically have a greater height or width compared to the innerplate members 6, 8 as will be described in more detail below. The outerplate members 18, 20 are joined to the inner plate members 6, 8 viaelongate adjuster screws 22, 24.

The outer plate members 18, 20 are substantially parallel to the innerplate members 6, 8 and are arranged a spaced distance therefrom.

First movement means in the form of a roller 26 is rotatably mounted onadjuster screw 24 located between inner plates 6, 8 and adjacent a rearend 28 of the support apparatus 2. The roller 26 typically engages withan upper surface of an I-beam in use for enabling movement of theapparatus along said upper surface.

Second movement means in the form of a pair of rollers or flange rollers30, 32 are provided and are joined to outer plate members 18, 20 viaflange guide pins 34. Rollers 30, 32 face inwardly of the apparatustowards each other. They are provided a spaced distance apart fromroller 26 in a vertical direction below the same. Rollers 18, 20typically engage with a lower surface of a flange of an I-beam in usefor enabling movement of the apparatus along said lower surface.

The vertical spacing of the flange rollers 30, 32 with respect to upperroller 26 can be adjusted using flange roller adjustment screws 36.Rotation of the nut portion 38 of adjustment screws 36 allows the flangerollers 30, 32 to be moved along the length of the threaded screwportion 40 between raised and lowered positions in a substantiallyvertical direction. This allows the support apparatus 2 to be used withdifferent sized beams, any structural steel section or floor surfaces inuse (i.e. it allows the apparatus to be used on apparatus with beamflanges of different thicknesses).

The spacing between outer plate members 18, 20 can be adjusted usingadjustment means including handle means 42 which allow rotation ofadjuster screws 22, 24 relative to locking nuts 44.

This adjustment mechanism also allows the support apparatus 2 to be usedon different sized beams or floor surfaces in use (i.e. it allows theapparatus to be used on apparatus with beam flanges of differentwidths).

Upper roller 26 and lower flange rollers 30, 32 allow the supportapparatus 2 to engage with and be moved relative to an I-beam in use inone example.

In accordance with the present invention, stop means are provided on thesupport apparatus 2 in the form of a cam wheel 46 provided adjacentfront end 48 of the apparatus.

The off-centered weighted portion of the cam wheel is arranged such thatmovement or rotation of cam wheel 46 in a first clockwise direction, asshown by arrow 50 in FIG. 2 a, allows the apparatus to move in aforwardly direction (i.e. towards front end 48) or in a rearwardlydirection (i.e. towards rear end 28), as shown by arrow 52. In order todo this, the rear end 28 of support apparatus 2 is typically liftedslightly upwardly, as shown by arrow 54, to allow rotation of cam wheel46 in the clockwise direction.

Movement or rotation of cam wheel 46 in a second an anti-clockwisedirection, as shown by arrow 56 in FIG. 2 b, actuates the cam wheel suchthat it stops further movement of the cam wheel 46 and locks or preventsthe support apparatus 2 from moving in a forwardly direction. Thisactuation is caused by the off-centered weighted part of the cam wheelengaging with the floor surface on which the apparatus is being used,thereby preventing further rotation of the cam wheel in said direction.In order to move the cam wheel 46 in an anti-clockwise direction, therear end 28 of support apparatus 2 is typically lowered, as shown byarrow 58.

Thus, a user can move the support apparatus relative to a surface bymoving the cam wheel in a clockwise direction. A user can preventmovement of the support apparatus, at least in a forwardly direction, bymoving the cam wheel in an anti-clockwise direction.

In one embodiment, the support apparatus is used as part of a fallprevention system, as shown in FIGS. 3-6, on a steel building frameincluding a plurality of RSJ s, structural steel sections or I-beams100. Each I-beam 100 typically includes a top flange 102, a bottomflange 104 with an intermediate support post or web 106 joining the topflange to the bottom flange 104. Both the top and bottom flanges 102,104 protrude outwardly from either side of support post 106.

A construction worker 108 that is fitting a floor surface betweenadjacent !-beams 100 typically locates a corrugated metal sheet 110between the adjacent !-beams and then moves forward on the metal sheet110 to fit the next metal sheet. It can be seen from FIG. 5 that as theconstruction worker fits the next most forwardly metal sheet 110, theyare working adjacent an exposed edge 112. This is dangerous and, if theworker were to fall, could result in injury or death of the worker.

The fall prevention system of the present invention provides a safetybarrier 114 that prevents the worker 108 from getting too close to theexposed edge 112 whilst allowing the safety barrier to be movedrelatively easily as the worker progresses with fitting the floor sheetor sheets.

In the illustrated embodiment, the safety barrier 114 includes anupright frame member 116, an end of which is located through opening 14of sleeve member support 12. Two rearwardly protruding side framemembers 118 are attached to each upright frame member 116 and arearranged a spaced distance apart along a substantially vertical axis.The rearwardly protruding side frame members 118 are typicallysubstantially horizontally arranged. Two rear frame members 120 areprovided between the two rearwardly protruding side frame members 118.The rear frame members 120 are also typically substantially horizontallyarranged and are provided a spaced distance apart along a substantiallyvertical axis. Two rear upright frame members 121 are provided betweenthe upper and lower rear frame members 120 and the upper and lower sideframe members 118 to provide strength and rigidity to the safety barrier114.

The worker 108 typically works adjacent the rear frame members 120 inuse and is therefore a spaced distance apart from the exposed edge andthe upright frame members 116.

The rear frame members 120 are preferably telescopic in form, as shownby arrows 122 in FIG. 3, such that the length of the frame members canbe freely extendable or retractable in a direction substantiallyparallel to the longitudinal axis of the frame members 120. Inparticular, each rear frame member 120 comprises a first outer framemember 120 a that has at least a hollow end section that has slightlylarger dimensions compared to a second inner frame member 120 b which isslidably located in the hollow end section of frame member 120 a. Thisallows a first support apparatus to be moved independently andseparately to a second or further support apparatus, as shown in FIG. 4without compromising the rigidity of the safety barrier 114.

In use, and with reference to FIG. 4, a worker 108 stands behind rearframe members 120 and grips a part of the safety barrier frame so as toallow them to jerk or move first support apparatus 2 in such a mannerthat cam member 46 is moved from an actuated or locked position to anon-actuated or movable position. This allows first support apparatus 2to be rolled forwards (or backwards if required) on the I-beam to anadvanced forwardly position, relative to adjacent support apparatus 2′.The rear frame members 120 extend in length due to the differentpositions of the support apparatus 2, 2′. The user can then move to thepart of the safety barrier frame adjacent support apparatus 2′ and jerkor move said support apparatus 2′ in such a manner so that cam member 46is moved from an actuated or locked position to a non-actuated ormovable position. This allows second support apparatus 2′ to be moved orrolled forwards (or backwards if required) on the I-beam or otherstructural steel section to an advanced forwardly position. The supportapparatus 2, 2′ are now substantially opposite to each other and theframe members 118, 120, 116 are all substantially perpendicular to eachother.

It will be appreciated that the frame members could include mesh ornetting to prevent a worker from falling between the frame members ifrequired.

Each or one or more frame members of the safety barrier can be pivotablyor hingedly movable relative to each or one or more other frame membersso as to allow movement of the frame members relative to each otherduring movement of the support apparatus and/or barrier means.

The support apparatus can be provided any suitable distance apart on thebuilding frame. In one example, the support apparatus are providedapproximately 6-10 foot apart.

The components of the support apparatus and barrier means can be madefrom any or any combination of the same material or different material.For example, the support apparatus and/or barrier means can be made frommetal, wood, rubber, plastic and/or the like.

A similar arrangement is shown in FIGS. 9 a-9 c but in this embodiment,support apparatus 402 has a single adjustment screw 404 provided betweeninner and outer plates 6, 8, 18, 20 and, in this illustration, islocated substantially centrally of the body apparatus 402. The provisionof a central adjustment screw provides for more uniform adjustment ofthe inner and outer plate members at the front and rear 48, 28 of theapparatus. Guide means in the form of guide shafts 408, 410 are providedadjacent to the front 48 and rear 28 of the apparatus to guide movementof the inner and outer plate members during adjustment. The guide shaftsare typically non-rotatable shafts relative to which the plate memberscan move.

A further difference in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 9 a-9 c is that inaddition to first roller 26 provided at rear end 28, a second roller 406substantially centrally of the apparatus below sleeve member 12 andbetween inner plate members 6, 8. The provision of two rollers 26, 406in the same substantially horizontal plane generates greater stabilityof the apparatus during movement of the same. In addition, a cover 412is provided at the front and rear of the apparatus to cover the interiorof the apparatus in use. Both covers 412 can be independently pivotableor hingedly movable to allow access to the interior of the supportapparatus.

Referring to .FIGS. 7 a-7 c, there is illustrated a further embodimentof the present invention. In this illustration, support apparatus 202 isfor use on a timber frame building. The same reference numerals havebeen used in the previously described embodiment to describe the samefeatures.

In this embodiment, a plurality of pre-defined aluminum I-beams 100 aresupplied with the support apparatus for attachment to the timber deckingof the floor being fitted to the timber frame building. Since theI-beams are of pre-defined dimensions, there is no requirement for anadjustment mechanism for adjusting the horizontal distance between theouter plates 18, 20.

There is no requirement for inner plate members 6, 8 as in thepreviously described embodiments. A bridging member 10 is providedbetween the outer plates 18, 20 and the sleeve member 12.

First movement means are provided in the form of front and rear rollers26 which are located at the front and rear of the support apparatus 202respectively. An axle 204 about which the rollers rotate is providedbetween the outer plates 18, 20. Second movement means in the form of apair of flange rollers 30, 32 are joined to outer plates 18, 20 areprevious described. No adjustment means are provided in this example forthe flange rollers to adjust the vertical distance between the rollerssince the dimensions of the I-beam are known.

In this illustration cam wheel 46 is located between front and rearrollers 26, but it could be provided at the front and/or rear of thesupport apparatus as required. In addition, two or more upper rollerscould be provided if required or just a single upper roller could beprovided as required.

A weight 206 is attached to the off-centered cam wheel 46 to provide abiasing force of the cam wheel 46 to an engaged or actuated position.This helps moves the cam wheel 46 to the engaged position in use.

A fixed cover member 208 is provided at the rear of the supportapparatus 202 to substantially cover the rear roller 26. A pivotablecover member 208 is provided at the front of the support apparatus 202to allow pivotal opening and closing of the same about pivot axis 210.Any combination of cover means, fixed cover means, pivotable cover meansand/or other types of removable cover means can be provided as required.

In use, a fitter fits two pre-defined I-beams 100 to a timber deckingsurface in a spaced apart orientation, with flange 104 in abutment withthe timber decking surface 212 and flange 102 uppermost, a spaceddistance above timber decking surface. Attachment means, such as forexample, self drilling screws can be used to do this.

The support apparatus 202 is located on the I-beam 100 as previouslydescribed and used in a similar manner to the support apparatus 2previously described. Guide means in the form of a pair of spaced apartoutwardly protruding arms 214 are provided on the web 106 to protrudeoutwardly and substantially parallel to the web 106. These act as aguide for a fitter to locate the web 106 of an adjacent I-beam to befitted in an end to end manner with the already fitted I-beam.

Referring to FIGS. 8 a-8 b, there is illustrated a further embodiment ofsupport apparatus 302, wherein user actuation means are provided to movethe cam wheel 46 between a non-actuated position, as shown in FIG. 5 a,and an actuated or stop position, as shown in FIG. 5 b. The useractuation means in this illustration are in the form of a cable 304joined at a point 306 to the cam wheel 46 and a user actuated lever (notshown) provided on a part of the frame easily accessible to a user. Whenthe lever is actuated by a user, the cam surface of the cam wheel ismoved to an upper position a spaced distance apart from the uppersurface of I-beam flange 102 (by rotation clockwise of the cam wheel inthis example), thereby allowing movement of the support apparatus alongthe I-beam in any required direction. When the lever is released, thecam surface of the cam wheel falls to a lower position under gravity asa result of the off-centered weight or weighted bias of the cam wheel(by rotation anti-clockwise of the cam wheel in this example), therebypreventing movement of the support apparatus along the I-beam in atleast a forwards direction.

It will be appreciated that any or any combination of the abovementionedfeatures can be used in any of the illustrated or non-illustratedembodiments as required.

What is claimed is:
 1. Support apparatus for barrier means, said supportapparatus including support means for supporting one or more barriermeans therewith in use, movement means for allowing movement of thesupport apparatus relative to a surface in use and stop means forstopping or substantially preventing movement of the movement means orsupport apparatus in use.
 2. Support apparatus according to claim 1wherein the support apparatus includes a body portion comprising atleast two spaced apart members or plate like members and the supportmeans is provided between said at least two spaced apart members orplate like members.
 3. Support apparatus according to claim 2 whereinthe body portion includes a pair of inner members or plate like membersand a pair of outer members or plate like members.
 4. Support apparatusaccording to claim 1 wherein one or more adjustment mechanisms areprovided to allow adjustment of the distance between two or moremovement means in a horizontal and/or vertical direction and/or foradjusting the distance between two or more spaced apart members formingpart of the support means.
 5. Support apparatus according to claim 1wherein barrier means are integral with the support means, or areattachable or detachably attachable to the support means usingattachment means.
 6. Support apparatus according to claim 5 wherein theattachment means include any or any combination of one or more pins,inter-engaging members, nuts and bolts, screws, clips, welding, adhesiveor chains.
 7. Support apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the supportmeans include at least one channel member, sleeve member, apertureand/or recess defining an opening, and an end of the barrier means islocatable in said opening in use.
 8. Support apparatus according toclaim 1 wherein the movement means includes any or any combination ofone or more rollers, wheels, drums, ball members, or ball bearings. 9.Support apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the stop means is movablebetween an actuated position, wherein it stops or substantially preventsmovement of the movement means or support apparatus, to a non-actuatedposition, wherein it allows movement of the movement means or supportapparatus.
 10. Support apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the stopmeans includes any or any combination of one or more teeth, brakingmembers, locking members, cam members, cam surfaces or cam wheels. 11.Support apparatus according to claim 10 wherein rotation or movement ofthe stop means, cam wheel, cam member or cam surface in a firstdirection or in a forwardly allows relatively free movement of the stopmeans, cam wheel, cam member or cam surface and thus movement of themovement means and support apparatus; rotation or movement of the stopmeans, cam wheel, cam member or cam surface in a second direction or ina rearwardly direction moves the stop means, cam wheel, cam member orcam surface into a position whereby further movement of the stop means,cam wheel, cam member or cam surface and thus movement of the movementmeans and support apparatus, is substantially prevented.
 12. Supportapparatus according to claim 10 wherein an off-centered part and/orweighted part of the stop means, cam wheel, cam member or cam surfaceis/are arranged to engage a floor surface in use to form an actuatedposition of the stop means, cam wheel, cam member or cam surface suchthat further rotation or movement of the stop means, cam wheel, cammember or cam surface is substantially prevented.
 13. Support apparatusaccording to claim 9 wherein user actuation means are provided to movethe stop means between the actuated and non-actuated positions. 14.Support apparatus according to claim 13 wherein the user actuation meansincludes a brake cable and a handle mechanism to actuate said brakecable.
 15. Support apparatus according to claim 1 wherein first and atleast second movement means are provided on or associated with thesupport apparatus, the first and at least second movement means arrangeda spaced distance apart in a substantially vertical or upright axisand/or in a substantially horizontal direction.
 16. Support apparatusaccording to claim 1 wherein first and at least second movement meansare provided in a substantially horizontal plane and at least thirdmovement means are provided in a substantially vertical plane or uprightdirection, the first and second movement means provided in a planesubstantially transverse or perpendicular to the plane in which the atleast third movement means are provided.
 17. Support apparatus accordingto claim 1 wherein guard or cover means are provided to at leastpartially cover the stop means, movement means and/or support means inuse.
 18. Support apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the barriermeans include any or any combination of one or more frame members,meshing, netting, fencing, telescopic frame members, pivotably orhingedly mounted frame members or a substantially U-shaped frame.
 19. Amethod of using support apparatus, said support apparatus includingsupport means for supporting one or more barrier means therewith in use,and wherein said method includes moving the support apparatus to adesired position relative to a surface in use using movement means, andwherein stop means are provided on or associated with the apparatus forstopping or substantially preventing movement of the movement means orsupport apparatus when said stop means are actuated.
 20. A fallprevention system, said system including support apparatus and barriermeans, said support apparatus including support means for supporting oneor more of said barrier means therewith in use, movement means forallowing movement of at least the support apparatus relative to asurface in use and stop means for stopping or substantially preventingmovement of the movement means or support apparatus in use.